Korean Lunar New Year (Seollal) TraditionsĬultural traditions can develop and change over time and not all families celebrate the same. They continue celebrating on the day of the new year and the day after. Like other cultures, Koreans begin the festivities the day before the new year actually begins. The specific dates on which Seollal falls will vary from year to year. When is the Korean Lunar New Year and How Long Does it Last? Many consider Seollal to be the most important Korean holiday of the year. Because so many families spend Seollal with loved ones, as it approaches, many Koreans make travel arrangements in advance to ensure they can reach their family members in time for the celebration. This can cause some travel difficulties, particularly in South Korea. Many families throughout both countries participate in the festivities. Where it’s celebratedīoth North and South Koreans celebrate Seollal. Remembering one’s ancestors remains a common element of Seollal celebrations throughout Korea today. to 1392 C.E.ĭuring this time, Seollal (also known as Seol by some) was one of nine important festivals that focused on ancestral ceremonies. Research indicates Seollal first became a major Korean holiday during the reign of the Goryeo dynasty, which lasted from 918 C.E. Scholars aren’t entirely certain precisely how long Koreans have been celebrating Seollal. Here's how to honor your unique loved one. As a celebration of the new year, Seollal allows Korean families to rest after a year’s work, while also preparing themselves for the year to come. Like a harvest festival, Seollal recognizes the cycle of seasons. Seollal usually falls on the second new moon following the winter solstice. This brief guide will provide a general overview of the celebration and help you appreciate why many Koreans consider it to be extremely important. Just like Korean funerals provide insights into the ways Korean honor and mourn the dead, investigating Seollal allows us to see how Koreans value and celebrate life and the changing of the seasons. Falling between January 20 and February 21 (the exact dates of Seollal can change from year to year), it’s a three-day holiday during which many South Korean families gather to look back on the year that has passed and look forward to the year ahead. This celebration marks the traditional Korean Lunar New Year. Korean Lunar New Year (Seollal) TraditionsĬonsider the example of Seollal.When is the Korean Lunar New Year and How Long Does it Last?.Although most people consider January 1 to be the start of a new year, many cultures celebrate the new year at other times. Celebrating the beginning of a new year is a cultural tradition many of us share.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |